Apparatus and Method for Ice Water Immersion Therapy

ABSTRACT

An emergency management system having an ice water immersion bag capable of rapidly cooling an overheated individual&#39;s body through its combination of elements, apertures, and capacity. An overheated individual is placed within the ice immersion bag, yet the individual&#39;s body may still be accessed in the event of a medical emergency through the use of one of the many openings presented throughout the bag. The openings otherwise remain sealed and waterproof to prevent the ice water from escaping the bag, further effectuating ice water immersion to rapidly cool the overheated individual.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Division of copending application Ser. No.14/656,056, filed on Mar. 12, 2015, now patent Ser. No. ______, whichwas a Continuation in Part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/650,584 filed on Oct. 12,2012, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to the emergency managementof elevated body temperatures resulting from heat stroke, trauma andpost cardiac arrest and, more particularly, to an apparatus and methodfor the emergency application of ice water immersion therapy.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hyperthermia is an elevated body temperature due to failedthermoregulation. Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbsmore heat than it can dissipate. When the elevated body temperatures aresufficiently high, hyperthermia is a medical emergency and requiresimmediate treatment to prevent disability or death.

The most common causes for hyperthermia are heat stroke and accidentaladverse reaction to drugs. Ice water immersion therapy can be beneficialin the prevention and reduction of hyperthermia. Further, ice waterimmersion is beneficial in the prevention and reduction of swelling tothe spinal cord, triggered by trauma. Post cardiac arrest ice waterimmersion can be of benefit in helping to reduce complicationsassociated with post cardiac arrest.

Heat stroke is an acute condition of hyperthermia that is caused byprolonged exposure to excessive heat or heat and humidity. Theheat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed andunable to effectively deal with the heat, causing the body temperatureto climb uncontrollably. Hyperthermia differs from fever in themechanism that causes the elevated body temperatures in that a fever iscaused by a change in the body temperature set-point.

Heat stroke in particular is the most prevalent cause of hyperthermiaand is due to an environmental exposure to heat, resulting in anabnormally high body temperature. Heat stroke may be non-exertional(classic) or exertional, depending on whether the person has beenexercising in the heat. Significant physical exertion on a very hot daycan generate heat beyond a healthy body's ability to cool itself,because the heat and humidity of the environment reduce the efficiencyof the body's normal cooling mechanisms. This is particularly a problemin dealing with organized sports training. For example, in the UnitedStates, college and high school football is a fall seasonal sport inwhich training begins in during the peak of summer. Conditions such asheat, humidity, exercise, and uniforms and equipment that can lead to aninsulating effect can all contribute to a greater incidence of thecondition.

Conventionally recognized treatments for hyperthermia depend upon thecause, as the underlying cause must be corrected. Mild hyperthemiacaused by exertion on a hot day might be adequately treated throughself-care measures, such as drinking water and resting in a cool place.However, when the body temperature is significantly elevated, mechanicalmethods of cooling are used to remove heat from the body and to restorethe body's ability to regulate its own temperatures.

Passive cooling techniques, such as resting in a cool, shady area andremoving clothing can be applied immediately. Active cooling methods,such as sponging the head, neck, and trunk with cool water, remove heatfrom the body and thereby speed the body's return to normaltemperatures. Drinking water and turning a fan or dehumidifying airconditioning unit on the affected person may improve the effectivenessof the body's evaporative cooling mechanisms (sweating).

In acute incidents, sitting in a bathtub of tepid or cool water(immersion method) can remove a significant amount of heat in arelatively short period of time. In exertional heat stroke, studies haveshown that although there are practical limitations, cool waterimmersion is the most effective cooling technique and the biggestpredictor of outcome is degree and duration of hyperthermia. However, inexertional heat stroke, the condition may be the most severe, with thebody temperature reaching upwards of about 40° C. and the affectedperson being rendered unconscious or showing signs of confusion. In suchcases hyperthermia is considered a medical emergency that requirestreatment in a proper medical facility where more aggressive coolingmeasures are available, including intravenous hydration, gastric lavagewith iced saline, and even hemodialysis to cool the blood.

Therefore, a need exists in cases of hyperthermia medical emergencies tobe able to provide some of the aggressive cooling measures normallyavailable in a hospital or emergency room setting by a first responder,such as by an athletic trainer, an emergency medical technician or aparamedic. Consequently, a portable apparatus and non-hospital basedmethod for the emergency application of ice water immersion therapy isneeded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for theemergency application of ice water immersion therapy.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus forfacilitating a method for the emergency application of ice waterimmersion therapy.

The present objectives are accomplished by means of a water proof,enclosed clear plastic body bag for the emergency management of heatstroke, trauma and post cardiac arrest that allows rapid victimplacement and immediate immersion into cold water/ice water formanagement of medical and or trauma and cardiac issues which benefitfrom cold water/ice water immersion. In order to be functional in theemergency environment the device is compact, easy to use, and adapted insuch a manner as to allow for advanced trauma or cardiac intervention,monitoring and treatment. According to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, a sealable chamber is provided that allows forplacement of a victim. The victim can then be treated on site by a firstresponder, and be transported to a hospital or emergency room forsubsequent or continued treatment or intervention without the need toremove the apparatus or transfer the victim from one device to another.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that may beutilized by any medical personnel who, within their work environment, isresponsible for rapid management of heat stroke, trauma or post cardiacarrest as it pertains to standard physician protocols.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatuscapable of being utilized from point of care (where victim collapses) tothe emergency department.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such anapparatus having a sealable chamber capable of eliminating dead spacewithin the chamber in order to reduce the amount of cold water/ice waternecessary for immersion.

Further still, it is anticipated that various additional features may beincorporated to further adapt the present apparatus to a method for icewater immersion therapy. Such features may include the incorporation ofa removable head elevation pillow with an opening for the occipital areato help maintain an open airway as well as reduce the likelihood ofwater entering the mouth or nose. Ear plugs may further be provided toreduce the incidence of water entering the auditory canal. Accessorifices may be formed at predetermined locations to permit EMS orEmergency Room personnel to have access to a victim's right and leftarms for Intravenous (IV) placement, Blood Pressure and pulse oximitrymonitoring, or the like. An additional access orifice may further beformed near the area of the groin to allow access for placement ofrectal temperature probe and urinary catheter if necessary. Further, arapid water evacuation port may be placed at the inferior end of thedevice, which when opened will allow very rapid removal of water ifnecessary. An additional smaller port may also be placed at the inferiorend of the device with tubing connected and with a shut off valve that,when opened, will allow for medical staff to slowly remove water fromthe device when indicated. Further still, the present invention may bemade of clear plastic to enable Athletic Trainers, EMS and ER personnelto visualize the water and ice level in the unit and to visualize thepatient for improved monitoring especially when the unit is usedsecondary to trauma.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages and features of the present invention are better understoodwith reference to the following and more detailed description and claimstaken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like elementsare identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an on-demand, reusable ice and waterimmersion device 100 according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent 20 invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an individual's head on the waterproofpillow 114 with its occipital area nested in the pillow depression 115;and

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of an ice and water immersion therapysystem utilizing an immersion device 100 as part of an overall kit 500.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the invention, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which areshown, by way of illustration, an exemplary embodiment illustrating theprinciples of the present invention and how it may be practiced. It isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized to practice thepresent invention and structural and functional changes may be madethereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

As detailed in FIGS. 1-7 , an on-demand, reusable ice and waterimmersion device 100 is shown according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The device 100 is formed of a generally pliablebag-like housing that has a closeable contiguous sidewall 102 that formsan internal cavity 104 forming a containment volume capable of receivingand retaining a person and a cooling fluid as will be described ingreater detail below. The device 100 may be formed in various sizes, butfor purposes of disclosure it is envisioned that a bag 100 having anoverall length of approximately 7 feet or 84 inches, would befunctionally effective for use with a vast majority of potentialpatients. It should be understood, however, that such stated sizingshould be considered exemplary and that an exact size or dimensionshould not be viewed as a limitation of the present invention. It shouldbe apparent to one having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in lightof the present teachings, that a wide variation in size and dimensionshould be considered within the range of equivalents of the presentdisclosure and invention.

The bag 100 is constructed in order to be generally liquid retentivesuch as to be water proof or water resistant. For purposes of thepresent invention, the term “water proof or “water resistant” is to bedefined broadly as generally resisting or slowing the egress of liquidwater from the internal cavity 104 when the bag 100 is operationallyclosed in use. For purposes of the present invention the terms “waterproof” or “water resistant” should not be considered narrowly to berestricted only to a leak proof condition or otherwise to mean thecomplete prevention of liquid from being discharged therefrom, since anyminor amounts of leakage or porousness would be consideredinconsequential in light of the teachings and functions described hereinbroadly in light of the additional disclosure and claims herein below.The sidewall 102 may be formed of a flexible, pliable polymer materialor canvas material. Further, the sidewall 102 may further be formed of aclear, transparent or translucent material, in whole or in part, inorder to provide and permit Paramedics, EMS, or Emergency Room personnelto visualize the overheated individual's body. Such visual observationand monitoring by emergency responders may be beneficial for such firstresponders in assessing and treating an overheated individual.

The bag 100 has a length or vertical directional axis “L” and a width orhorizontal directional axis “W”. The length L is greater than the widthW, with the length L being at least twice the dimension of the width W.When closed, the bag 100 will form a holding volume or cavity 104 (bestshown in conjunction with FIG. 7 ). The thickness of the bag 100 mayvary dependent on a number of variables, including the anticipated sizeand weight of the overheated individual to be placed within the bag 100,as well as the desired target weight of the stored, unused bag 100, theanticipated functional life, the desired target cost, and other designconsiderations. The device 100 has a top surface 124 and a bottomsurface 126. The bag 100 has a cephalad edge 128 and a caudad edge 130.These two edges, 128 and 130 respectively help identify the orientationof how an overheated individual will be placed within the bag 100. Thehead of the overheated individual will be oriented towards the cephaladedge 128 and the feet of the overheated individual will be orientedtowards the caudad edge 130. The cephalad edge 128 further forms a hoodpocket 132 that is formed as integrated with the top surface 124. Thehood pocket 132 is intended to accept the face of a user patient placedwithin the containment volume 104 and may further contain a drawstringclosure 134 for providing maximum body coverage, clearance of the user'sface and airways, and minimizing of leakage out of the bag 100.

The bag 100 may be made of conventional waterproof or water resistantmaterials. The bag 100 may also be capable of holding at least 350 lbs,including the occupant, ice 106 and water 108.

The bag 100 has an entry portal 300 that runs linearly along the axis Lof the top surface 124. The entry portal 300 will be approximately thesame length as the vertical edge of the bag 100 and run from thecephalad edge 128 down to the caudad edge 130. The entry portal 300 maybe securely closed and sealed providing a waterproof or leak resistantseal when not opened. Various types of waterproof closure means 118 areanticipated as being able to accomplishing this. Exemplary waterproofclosure means 118 may include but are not limited to: waterproof zippers(preferably constructed of non-metal material), waterproof hook and loopclosures (i.e., Velcro®), waterproof tongue and groove closures (i.e.,ZipDry®). It is preferred that whatever the closure means employed, icewater 106/108 is retained within the internal holding volume 104 wherethe overheated individual is placed, and that the leakages of liquidwater 108 is slowed or minimized such as to contain the liquid as a heattransfer medium when placed within the holding volume 104 or generatedfrom the melting of the ice 106.

Waterproof hook and loop closures or waterproof tongue and grooveclosures may also be used as a means of closing and sealing the entryportal 300. Such an embodiment would reduce a risk of zipper failure.Further, these closures eliminate metal from the device in the eventthat an MM is ordered from the hospital while the patient is stillsubmerged within the bag.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides for the entryportal 300 to be securely closed with a waterproof zipper, furthercomprising a hook and loop closure covering the waterproof zipper foradded sealing protection.

The hood 132 and entry portal 300 together functions to allow the entirebody of the user to be in contact with the icewater 106/108, whileallowing the face of the overheated individual to be exposed. Thisprovides clearance of the user's airways, as well as allows for atracheotomy or other emergency procedure to be performed under emergencycircumstances.

The bag 100 has a plurality of cocooning straps 206. While many numericintervals of cocooning straps 206 are available, the preferredembodiment of the present invention has four parallel spaced cocooningstraps 206. Each respective strap 206 is intended to circumscribe aboutthe bag in parallel with the horizontal directional axis of the bag 100.The cocooning straps 206 are spaced evenly apart along the vertical axisrelative to each other. The cocooning straps 206 function to securelyencapsulate the overheated individual within the bag 100. The cocooningstraps 206 effectively cinch down or cocoon the overheated individual.

The cocoon straps 206 are a quick fasten and quick release design. Analternate embodiment of the present invention provides that the deviceis adjustable to accommodate individuals of all sizes. The cocoon straps206 are further essential in that they decrease the holding volume 104inside the bag 100 by effectively cinching down the bag closer to theindividual's body. Reducing the holding volume 104 is an importantfeature because if ice water 106/108 is in limited supply to the firstresponder, the holding volume 104 will be smaller and allow the icewater 106/108 to fully encapsulate the overheated individual's bodywithin the bag 100.

While the bag 100 of the design shown is capable of being lifted, movedand manipulated without the necessity of carrying straps, in analternate embodiment a plurality of carrying straps may be provided aspermanently attached and secured evenly spaced along each vertical edgeof the bag 100.

The bag 100 may be further provided forming a plurality of openingsstrategically placed about the top surface 124. Alternate configurationsmay be provided in various embodiments to allow for different numbersand arrangements of openings herein described. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, at least one, and preferably a pairof intravenous (IV) openings 302 is provided to allow for access to theuser's arms, or egress of either of the user's arm from within thecontainment volume 104 while minimizing any loss of heat transfer. TheIV openings 302 are located on the top surface 124 proximate to thevertical edges of the bag 100 in the cephalad edge 128 half of the bag.The IV openings 302 are vertically aligned and parallel with thevertical edge of the bag 100. The IV openings 302 are used to facilitateaccess to the individual's arms when sealed within the bag. It isanticipated that these IV openings 302 will be approximately 4-16″ inlength. The IV openings 302 may be securely closed and sealed providinga waterproof seal when not opened.

It is preferred that zippers or metal of any kind would be avoided inconjunction with formation of the IV openings 302 as well as any otherportion of the device 100. One reason for avoidance of metallic fittingsis to avoid the risk of skin excoriation. Waterproof hook and loopclosures or waterproof tongue and groove closures are the preferredmeans of closing and sealing the IV openings 302 because these reducethe risk of zipper failure which would be catastrophic. Further, theseclosures eliminate metal from the device in the event that an MM isordered from the hospital while the patient is still submerged withinthe bag.

It should be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the relevant art,in light of the present disclosure, that a variety of other access oregress openings may be selectively formed and positioned about thesidewall 102 of the device 100. Such other openings may include anaccess port 304 that can include an attached or attachable retention bag305 to provide a water resistant port that enables the insertion of athermometer to monitor the water temperatures. Further other openings,envisioned and considered within the range of equivalents of the presentinvention but not specifically shown, may include:

-   -   A catheter opening. A catheter opening may be located along the        center vertical axis of the top surface 124, so that it may be        in line with an overheated individual's urinary tract in the        event that a catheter needs to be implanted in the overheated        individual while encapsulated in the device 100.    -   A rectal opening. A rectal opening may be located in along the        center vertical axis of the bottom surface 126, so that it may        be in line with an overheated individual's bowels in the event        that a first responder needs to access the rectum for obtaining        the overheated individual's core temperature through the use of        a rectal thermometer or any other medical purpose while the        overheated individual is encapsulated in the device 100.    -   Inlet and drainage portals 340. Inlet and drainage ports 340 are        used to controllably introduce and drain the water 106 to and        from the holding volume 104, as needed. The portals 340 are        proximate to or made a part of the edges 128,130. The portals        340 forms apertures, preferably of a conventional size which        would allow for medical personnel to connect an aftermarket        conventional hospital hose to allows the medical personal to        controllably add and drain the ice water 106/108 and dispose of        the expelled ice water 106/108 in an appropriate manner.

Waterproof hook and loop closures or waterproof tongue and grooveclosures are the preferred means of closing and sealing any access oregress openings formed within the sidewall 124. These closures shouldeliminate metal from the device in the event that an Mill is orderedfrom the hospital while the patient is still submerged within the bag,while still retaining the ice water 106 within the internal holdingvolume 104 where the overheated individual is placed.

Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 6 , a floating head support inthe form of a waterproof pillow 114 is shown as provided in conjunctionwith the device 100. The waterproof pillow 114 is formed of a closedcell foam and, as such, is buoyant enough to raise the overheatedindividual's head above the waterline and out of the ice immersion bathand facilitates an open airway. The waterproof pillow 114 should be of asize that raises the overheated individuals head out of the water byabout four inches. Further, the waterproof pillow contains a pillowdepression 115. The pillow depression 115 is located in the center onthe top surface of the waterproof pillow 114. The pillow depression 115should be a round configuration with a depression depth of approximatelytwo inches. The pillow depression 115 receives the occipital area of theoverheated individual's head. When the occipital area of the overheatedindividual's head is placed in the pillow depression 115 the airway ofthe overheated individual is positioned in a manner that facilitates anopen airway, so CPR may be performed with a greater likelihood ofsuccess, if necessary. The waterproof pillow 115 can be attached to theinside of ice immersion bag 100, through an waterproof pillow attachmentmeans 117. It is anticipated that the waterproof pillow attachment means117 will be a conventional hook and loop fastener.

Finally, referring now in conjunction with FIG. 7 it is envisioned thatthe bag 100 is provided as part of a kit 500 for the on-demand, reusableemergency application of ice water immersion therapy. The kit 500,anticipates comprising a plurality of any of the following items: aportable, reusable icewater immersion device or bag 100 as previouslydisclosed or described; a floating head support 114 a conventionalcardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) mask 110, ear plugs 112, awaterproof pillow 114, a digital thermometer 115 for monitoring thetemperature of the ice water 106/108, and a carrying case 116. Said iceimmersion cooling bag 100 is the primary focus of the present invention.This kit effectively and aggressively provides cooling measures to anoverheated individual through means ordinarily only available in ahospital or emergency room setting by a first responder, such as by anathletic trainer, an emergency medical technician or a paramedic.

Conventional ear plugs 112 are included with the emergency managementsystem and are intended to be placed in the ear canal of the overheatedindividual. The ear plugs 112 may be placed into the ear canal before,during, or after the individual is placed within the ice immersioncooling bag 120. The ear plugs 112 are essential to the presentinvention because when an overheated person is submerged in the iceimmersion cooling bag 100, the ear plugs prevent ice water 106/108 fromentering the over heated individual's ear canal. The ear plugs 112 arean essential element of the present invention because if the ice water106/108 enters the overheated individual's ear canal, the ice water cancause nystagmus of the eyes. However, nystagmus is ordinarily a sign ofhead trauma. Thus, if ice water 106/108 is in the ear canal and creatingsymptoms of nystagmus, there will be confusion by the treatingphysicians and nurses in the patient assessment. By implanting the earplugs 112 in the ear canal, nystagmus may be reduced and preventpotential patient assessment confusions.

Further, nystagmus can cause vertigo which can lead to nausea andvomiting. It is anticipated that the ear plugs 112 will be made of ahighly visible color such as yellow or orange. The ear plugs 112 can beattached to the 15 waterproof pillow 114, through an earplug attachmentmeans 113. It is anticipated that the attachment means 113 will be aconventional hook and loop fastener.

The system 100 provides a carrying case 116. The carrying case 116 willbe formed of conventional materials and used to transport the bag system100 within the carrying case 116. It is anticipated that the functionallimitations of the carrying case 116 will include all conventionallyknown types of transportation bags, within elements including but notlimited to handles, straps, zippers, ties, buttons all made fromconventionally known materials.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

In operation, the present invention can provide a useful means ofeffectively cooling an overheated individual. The overheated individualis placed within or is assisted and urged to enter the bag 100 throughthe entry portal 300. The individual's head is placed on the waterproofpillow 114 and their feed extended down toward the caudad edge 130.

The entry portal 300 is partially closed and sealed. While slightlyopen, ice water 106/108 is poured into the holding volume 104. The bag100 is sealed and the cocooning straps 206 are utilized if necessary.The first responder continues to monitor the overheated individual untilappropriate medical personnel relieve said first responder.

The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments are presented forpurposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to beexhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosedand, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in orderto best explain principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the invention and its various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that a scope of the invention be broadly defined by theSpecification and Drawings appended hereto and to their equivalents;hence, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for the emergency application of icewater therapy comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a reusable devicefor the remote clinical emergency management of elevated bodytemperatures, said device forming a collapsible container for ice waterimmersion therapy, said collapsible container being an entry portal; b.filling said collapsible container with ice water; and c. placing orguiding an individual into said collapsible container via said entryportal in such a manner as to prevent total immersion of saidindividual.
 2. The method for the emergency application of ice watertherapy of claim 1, wherein said method is provided by a firstresponder, such as by an athletic trainer, an emergency medicaltechnician or a paramedic.
 3. The method for the emergency applicationof ice water therapy of claim 2, wherein ear plugs are further providedand attached to a waterproof pillow via attachment means, said ear plugsbeing implanted into the individual's ear canal prior to ice watersubmersion to prevent medical illness due to water in the ear canal. 4.The method for the emergency application of ice water therapy of claim3, wherein said waterproof pillow has a semi-spherical occipitalreceiving recess, and further comprising the step of placing theindividual's head into said occipital receiving recess to help maintainan open airway and reduce any likelihood of water entering the mouth ornose of the individual.